Publication of the World Christian Life Community N

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1 Progr cop eng _v 05/06/14 13:20 Pagina 1 Publication of the World Christian Life Community N

2 PhOTOS FrONT COVEr From up-left to right: Sebantián Ibáñez Montañez Mateja Hajsek (Slovenia), Gabriel Sabo (Slovakia), Vincent Magri SJ (Malta), Joseanne Peregrin (Malta), Katarina Furimska and Bernard Misovic SJ (Slovakia) Jean Paul Biruru (Dr Congo) Nicola Baky (South Sudan), Janet Gerges Rizk (Lebanon), Adelaida La Casta (Spain) Sidonie Bitsindou (Congo Brazzaville), Michael Ndung u SJ (Kenya), Marie-Louise Pele Ouadan (Ivory Coast) Daniela Frank (Germany) and Father General Adolfo Nicolás SJ Daphne Ho (hong Kong), Sandrine El-Rahy (Lebanon), Agnes Shin (Korea), Carmen Chan (hong Kong) PhOTOS BaCK COVEr From up-left to right: Mary Balfe and Leane Salel (Canada Eng) Zella Kadouzian (Lebanon), Abdo Yazbeck (Lebanon), Rosa Lopez (Spain), Dani Rezkallah (Syria), Emy Emile (Egypt), Kristina Rankelyta (Lithuania) Léa Cécile (Madagascar), Thérèse Savard (Canada Fr), Gérard Henry and Christophe Alfred SJ (Madagascar) Eleonore Gnamien (Ivory Coast) and Katarina Furimska (Slovakia) Members of world community in their national costumes Robin Koning SJ (australia) and Edel Churu (Kenya) Anne-Marie Brennan (USa), Sidoine Bitsindou (Congo Brazzaville), Christina Kim (USa), Nancy Kumalasari (Indonesia) and Jerry Tajima (Japan) Photos taken by Christian Ubilla (Ecuador), Ernest Langner (Germany), Kim-anh Vo (Vietnam) and rafael Madera (Dominican republic) Borgo Santo Spirito, Rome-ITALY Web site: progressio@cvx-clc.net English, French and Spanish Editions Editor Sofía Montañez Castro CONTENTS Editorial Franklin Ibáñez Celebratory journey to our Roots....2 A grain of sand....4 Manuel Alomía Desmé Graphic Report of our XVI World Assembly....5 The Venue....6 Host Team and Welcoming....8 Block 1: Our roots Block 2: A lay apostolic body Open Day Block 3: The Frontiers Block 4: Our response Backstage The New World Executive Council The following persons collaborated to this publication Translators and Proof Readers: Marie Bailloux Dominique Cyr Marie-Françoise Lavigne Luke Rodrigues SJ Lay out: Nguyen Thi Thu Van No part of this publication may be reproduced, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior permission of the World CLC Secretariat. Printed by: Tipografia Città Nuova via Pieve Torina 55, Roma ABOUT OUR LOGO We did not go too far to find inspiration for the logo of the Christian Life Community (CLC). Countless books have been written about the Salvation history of CLC and its beginning in year From that came the Marian Congregations and its symbol (shown on the top right), having the P over the X (for the Greek Christus) and the inserted M illustrates that the Congregations were put under the patronage of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The blue curved line illustrates a movement forward to one World Community in 1967; hence the globe. From this new beginning came a new name: Communauté de Vie Chrétienne (CVX) in French; Comunidad de Vida Cristiana (CVX) in Spanish; Christian Life Community (CLC) in English.

3 Editorial 1 A picture says more than a thousand words is a known slogan of contemporary culture. We have been reflecting, along with the Universal Church, on how best to transmit the Joy of the Gospel (Evangelii Gaudium). In this special edition of Progressio, a challenge has been taken up to communicate the joy of the community through pictures, especially from our World Assembly. This Progressio issue is a complement to the Supplements numbers 70 and 71, also dedicated to the Assembly. Following the dynamic of our Assembly, we begin by introducing two significant stories about our Roots and Frontiers. In 2013, we celebrated the 450th anniversary of Lay Ignatian Communities in which CLC recognizes its origins. Among the many commemorative activities, there was a very special one - remembering our roots through a pilgrimage done in four stages from Liege (Belgium) to Rome (Italy). The first article covers this aspect of our Roots. The second story, about the Frontiers, happened right after the World Assembly. CLC Peru and the Abraham Lincoln Secondary School in Lima organized a solidarity campaign for the Syrian people and especially the children there. The ongoing war in Syria continues to bring much pain and suffering. However, it has also generated a sense of generosity and fraternity as we learn from this story. The main section of this issue is dedicated to a graphic report of a landmark event for the world community - the XVI General Assembly. For the first time ever, a World Assembly was held in the Middle East. This particular region is facing a turbulent time, but fear would not prevent us from following our call to be present at the Frontiers. The community in Lebanon hosted nearly 200 people gathered together to discern our mission. Franklin, Luciana (left) and Sebastian Ibáñez The cameras of our delegates captured many unforgettable moments. We offer here a selection of key moments and images of the Assembly. Through them, we can better understand the meaning of Unity in Diversity and the fact that we are a geographically and culturally diverse world community. We would like to emphasize this fact: for the first time ever we have a graphic and colorful copy of the report of the Assembly. Hopefully, we can communicate not only the moments and events, but also the spirit and the motions that were behind the photographs. Through these images, we invite our readers to discover what our world vision is. May this special edition of Progressio be a tool that helps us in the contemplation and transmission of Joy. Franklin Ibáñez Executive Secretary

4 2 Celebratory journey to our Roots 6 7 April 2013, Belgium: We began on Saturday 6th April with the Inaugural Eucharist at Liege, the hometown of Jean Leunis. In a spirit of prayer, the participants walked in the woods of the Marian shrine of Banneux about 120 persons participated at this stage. Apart from the French Belgian members, there were participants from Flemish Belgium, Germany and Luxemburg and some members from the World ExCo. In 1556 Jean Leunis made a pilgrimage, from his hometown Liege (Belgium) to Rome (Italy), to meet Saint Ignatius and join the Society of Jesus. Six years later in Rome Leunis founded Prima Primaria, which was the origin of Sodality of our Lady and CLC. As part of the celebration of the Jubilee year of the 450th anniversary of the Ignatian Lay Communities, CLC organized one Pilgrimage in four short stages that began in Liege, then a stretch from Konstanz-Einsiedeln (Switzerland), followed by Bivier (France) and concluded in Rome as a way to emulate Leunis journey to the foundation of what we may call, the lay companions. This is a very short report, just containing only the major points of the pilgrimage April, Switzerland: April, France: There were twelve participants from CLC Switzerland, Belgium and Austria who made the complete pilgrimage (93Km) from Konstanz to Einsiedeln, that is part of the route of St. James in Switzerland. For the closure on April 14th there was a gathering of the national CLC in Einsiedeln where there was the center of Marian Congregation in Switzerland. Also was the occasion to farewell Fr. Christoph Albrecht sj the outgoing EA and welcome Fr. Adrian Marbacher sj the new EA CVX France had its pilgrimage around Biviers in the massif of the Chartreuse. It was attended by about 100 persons from different regions of the country (Lyon, Chambéry, Annecy, Pays de Gex and of course, Grenoble), international participants from Switzerland and Paraguay and the members of national Exco. The pilgrimage was a time for prayer, meeting, reflection of what is to be a pilgrim as Ignatius was. In the evening there was a festive time at Saint-Hugues de Biviers

5 26 28 April, Italy: This last stage saw a rather wide participation from the world community. There were of course Italians from all parts of the country. Others from Europe include representatives from Latvia, France, Belgium, Spain and a large contingent from Portugal. The members of Euroteam and some from World Exco. We also welcomed a member each from Colombia and USA (Miami). 3 A number of events were organized in Rome: A conference was on "The History and Future of the Laity and Ignatian Spirituality"; The non-italians had a pilgrimage cum tour to some Ignatian sites while the italians the election of a new leadership team for CLC Italy; That same night both groups joined together for a concert. The final Eucharist (Sunday 28th April) was celebrated by Fr. Adolfo Nicolás SJ, CLC World Ecclesiastical Assistant. At the end the visitors from outside Italy had a farewell lunch in the world Secretariat Three banners were taken to all four stages!! These flags were the Standard of Prima Primaria, the logo of World CLC and the 450 years logo. These three were physically taken to Belgium, Switzerland, France and back to Rome. It helped link all four stages. Participation in a pilgrimage helps us connect with our deeper selves (this holds true even when the actual walking is not much). In some ways, we were aware of being in touch with Jean Leunis, Ignatius, Xavier...our Roots!

6 4 A grain of sand Solidarity campaign for the children in Syria from a secondary school in Lima-Peru Hello, I am Manuel Alomia from CLC Peru and I am a teacher in the Abraham Lincoln school in Lima. I want to share an experience following the testimony of our brothers and sisters of Syria at the CLC General Assembly in Lebanon. In the religion class with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade secondary school students, we have been working in the topic of Solidarity and How to be prophets in our times. Two educational guides were developed in order to help students reflect on the reality of more than 5.5 million Syrian children affected by the war. Based on those reflections, the students, between 14 and 16 years, organized panels to sensitize their peers from other groups. Moreover, they also watched YouTube videos and other publications on the harsh reality of the Syrian people and the situation of the war refugees. All this work in the classroom elicited a positive response from one group of students who asked themselves, What can we do? That is when I shared with my students the story of the Syrian Medals. These medals were made in this country as part of the celebration of the 450th anniversary of Ignatian Lay Communi- ties. These medals not only have a symbolic value but also a moral value as they represent the pain and suffering of the Syrian people who have been subjected to hate, terror and death. Additionally, I recounted to my students the testimonies that had been shared at the CLC General Assembly in Beirut in August Special emphasis was put on the need to express our solidarity with the Syrian people so they continue to believe in life, hope and peace. Animated and touched, the students of 3rd grade and the Student Council took the lead in organizing a Solidarity Campaign for the Syrian children. This campaign began in mid- October 2013 and consisted of fundraising from the sale of key chains designed by the students themselves. They also made Solidarity Cards addressed to the Syrian children. The students were organized in groups to learn more about Syria, thereby helping them to write the cards - some in French, English and even in Arabic! Many of them were very committed to this campaign, expressing great solidarity. I believe this small effort from our students has provided a way to think beyond our trivial problems. Many people who live far away - children and adolescents live in very difficult circumstances. It is important to lift our eyes, look around, and start working now for our world. Our work for peace and justice, even if it is a small gesture like this one, is a way of supporting our brethren who need strength in their struggles. Perhaps now, after this experience, our friends in Syria seem much closer. We thank CLC Syria for the opportunity to learn how to express our solidarity, even if it is just a grain of sand. We continue to learn the value of service in our house which is the world in which we live. Lima, December 13th 2013 Hugs Manuel Alomía Desmé CLC Peru

7 Graphic Report of Our XVI WORLD ASSEMBLY 30th July 8th August 5 Place: Lebanon Motto: From our Roots to the Frontiers. This is my son, The Beloved. Listen to what He says (Mk 9:7) Participants: 193 participants (114 men 79 women; 138 lay 55 jesuits) 65 delegations (55 established national communities, 3 new and 7 observers)

8 6 The Venue First time of CVX-CLC WA in Middle East Lebanon is a biblical land, a place where Christ once walked. View of Beirut from our meeting place This reality connected us with the deep roots of the saving history we share with all God s people.

9 7 We gathered beneath the cedars of Lebanon, reaching for the sky yet with roots deep in the earth, evergreen and inspiring us to an ever-new freshness. Our meeting place Notre Dame du Mont is located on the hill of Fatka 40km from the airport of Beirut

10 8 Host Team and Welcoming En todo amar y servir the host team did a great job The host team and volunteers were very helpful

11 9 Kit for delegates They showed us their culture, music, food, dance and the kindness of the Middle East The welcome at the airport. Delegates were greeted at the airport and helped to get everyone enthusiastic

12 10 Block 1: Our roots A grateful remembrance of our roots and how we have been guided over the centuries. Theme of the day: Building the Body of the Assembly We began with a welcome from the president of CLC Lebanon Michel Younan and Daniela Frank, world CLC president. Each delegation was called to hoist its national flag

13 The Inaugural Mass 11 The Mass was celebrated according to the Maronite rite. The whole event in Arab and oriental rite, the wonderful choir, the homily, places us in the Middle East and what it means to be Christian there. Card. Béchara Boutros Raï, patriach of the Maronite Church The Eucharist was an experience of profound communion, full of symbolism, colorful and adorned with the flags of the 65 countries assembled.

14 Presentation of the National Communities 12 Each national delegation presented a symbol of their community of what has happened since the last World Assembly. Delegation of Paraguay Delegation of Hong Kong Tessy of CLC Nigeria The diversity and creativity of the delegations produced a beautiful mosaic of the world community. Delegation of Kenya Delegation of Dominican Republic Delegation of USA

15 Incorporation of new communities 13 CLC Lithuania with its godparent CLC France CLC Guatemala with its godparents CLC Nicaragua and El Salvador CLC Botswana with its godparent CLC South Africa

16 14 Our history is a treasure for the Church and the world 450 anniversary of the Christian Life Communities We gathered in the 450th jubilee year of Ignatian lay communities, remembering with gratitude the particular roots of our own graced history A presentation by Sofia Montanez, the testimony of Tobie Zakia and a couple of historic videos helped us go more in depth into our roots Tobie Zakia (CLC World President ) with Sofía Montañez The Exco s report provided an overall vision of the common journey shared throughout the last five years, which brought forth a spontaneous standing ovation at the end.

17 Block 2: A lay apostolic body To deepen our self-understanding as Lay Apostolic Body (LAB) 15 Since the last two world assemblies, CLC has been defining itseff as Lay Apostolic Body Chris Micallef presented us with the ExCo s reflection on LAB CLC-SJ : There is no future without collaboration Tony da Silva SJ, secretary of the Society of Jesus for collaboration We must rediscover the invisible holiness of laypeople and the lay vocation Franklin Ibanez. Challenges for the CLC Mission. (The iceberg)

18 16 Working Groups God said: Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground Ex 3, 5

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23 Open Day 17 We went to the Jamhour Jesuit School where there was an exhibition of Lebanon, Syria and Egypt dances and produce The diversity of our world community - some delegates clad in full national costumes

24 18 Asia/Pacific delegates Switzerland s delegates Mexico s delegates Lorena, Ecuador; Regina and Agnes, Korea; Pilar, Peru; Cornélie, Congo Brazzaville Chris Hogan, Australia

25 19 Sebastian Ibanez and Antoine Taoutel Alfonso and Adelaida, Spain Daniela Frank with Egypt s delegates Josephine, Zambia; Jasmine, Hong Kong; Marita, Argentina; Carolina, Colombia; Ivonne, Rwanda; Carmen, HK; Michel, Rwanda Inge, Germany and Edel, Kenya

26 20 Mass with Fr. Nicolás SJ. CLC World Ecclesiastical Assistant A procession of national flags God wanted us here, in Lebanon

27 The day ended with a dinner in a festive atmosphere on the terrace of Notre Dame du Mont 21 the music and dancing filled the atmosphere with jubilation nothing like a dance to close this block

28 22 BLOCK 3: The Frontiers To touch the new frontiers that challenge and beckon us today Fr. Nicolás intervention invited us to rediscover the language of wisdom He warned us against getting caught up in the globalisation of superficiality, and encouraged us to keep going to the depths through reflection. He pointed out that through Ignatian Spirituality we can provide the depth which societies need today.

29 Based on the answers to the ExCo s consultation prior to the Assembly, three extensive frontiers were defined. We devoted one session as well as personal and group activities to each one of these. 23 Globalisation-Poverty was presented by Leonel Matar. The lights and shadows of globalisation, including its challenges, were presented thereby. Leonel Matar, Lebanese economist Family was presented by Prof. Fernando Vidal (CLC Spain). He presented the current context of the family. The presentation was completed by the moving testimony of Sabie Makgothi (CLC South Africa) regarding the family Fernando Vidal singing with some latinamerican delegates Ecology was presented by Pedro Walpole SJ. He invited us to be reconciled with creation and ecological conversion. Making environmentally responsible choices. The challenge is to have a good life, not a better life. Pedro Walpole SJ of the Jesuit Conference of Asia

30 24 Asian Mass The celebration of Eucharist by the Regions delegation was alive, vibrant, contemplative and colorful African Mass European Mass Latin America Mass

31 One afternoon we have three tourist groups with the choice of the ancient city of Byblos; Zouk, Harissa the statue of the Virgin Mary; Bay 183 a place to rest on a beach and to enjoy the sea 25

32 26 we heard the life experiences of our CLC brothers and sisters from Syria and Egypt on how they seek and find God within their difficult current social context. We heard the experience of the CLC work team in the United Nations New York, thanks to Ann Marie Brennan (USA) We became acquainted with the Amazon project through Mauricio López, coordinator of the initiative

33 Block 4: Our response To enthusiastically renew our response to God s call. 27 The last block of the Assembly was dedicated to harvest the fruits The amendments to the General Principles and Norms were brought to a vote and some financial decisions were made.

34 28 Writing team composed by Robin Koning SJ (Australia), Josephine Shamwana- Lungu, (Zambia). Denis Dobbelstein (Belgium) and Victor Roca (Peru) The drafting and approval of the final document was carried out through a special process. The writing team captured the spirit of the Assembly through the work groups and plenary. We reached a strong consensus regarding the final text.

35 A very exciting moment is always the voting on the new World Executive Council 29 The election resulted in great consolation for the assembly Words of gratitude were expressed to the outgoing ExCo The incoming and former ExCo

36 30 During our Assembly we have the twin dynamic of roots and frontiers. We strengthen our roots by deepeing our relationship with Jesus. Then we reach out to the frontiers by participating in the mission of Jesus may we faithfully live out this dynamic in our lives In the final Mass the incoming ExCo was sent by the delegates A community in which those who serve it are changed is a community which is alive and which is blessed by the Lord Three CLC Presidents, faithful servants of the Grace: Daniela Frank ( ), Mauricio López (elected president) and Tobie Zakia ( )

37 Backstage 31 Translators excellent work!! THANK YOU Coming as strangers leaving as friends

38 32 The New World Executive Council President: Mauricio Lopez (Mexico) Vice-president: Edel Churu (Kenya) Secretary: Najat Sayegh (Lebanon) Consultors: Denis Dobbelstein (Belgium French);Chris Hogan (Australia); Anne-Marie Brennan (USA); Josephine Shamwana-Lungu (Zambia) The following persons also form part of the world ExCo: Ecclesiastical assistant: P. Adolfo Nicolás sj Vice-Ecclesiastical assistant: Luke Rodrigues sj Executive Secretary: Franklin Ibáñez and Sofía Montañez

39 Progressio on-line From our next issue Progressio be available on-line on our website for free By 2014 all subscriptions automatically become digital. But, IF YOU WANT TO KEEP YOUR SUBSCRIPTION TO THE PRINTED EDITION, please contact us by or at our mailing address: Borgo Santo Spirito Rome-Italy Printed editions (hard copies) maintain the same annual rate: Africa/ Asia / Latin America Euro 15 Australia Euro 24 Europe Euro 24 North America USD 30/Euro 24

40 Progr cop eng _v 05/06/14 13:20 Pagina 1 Publication of the World Christian Life Community N